Foundation garment



Sept. 6, 1966 c. CUOZZI FOUNDATION GARMENT Filed 001;. 50, 1964 INVENTOR Concefi u Cuozzi ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,270,748 FOUNDATION GARMENT Concetta Cuozzi, Yorktown Heights, N.Y., assignor to Corde de Parie, Inc., New York, N.Y. Filed Oct. 30, 1964, Ser. No. 407,748 8 Claims. (Cl. 128-528) This application is a continuation-in-part of applicants copending application Serial No. 374,305, filed June 11, 1964, and entitled Foundation Garment.

The present invention pertains to foundation garments, such as girdles, panty girdles, and the like, particularly adapted to be worn by the female species.

More particularly, this invention relates to foundation garments, such as girdles, panty girdles, and the like, comprising a plurality of panels that are so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to be positioned in a substantially stationary overlying relationship with respect to certain portions of the female torso, such as the waist, hips, thighs and derriere, in which relationship said panels are particularly adapted to develop figure controlling pressures, particularly with respect to those of the aforesaid portions known as the waist and derriere, irrespective of the position of the torso, and even during and subsequent to a changing of its attitude, as when a sitting or bending position is assumed enabling the presentation of a foundation garment of the aforesaid type that readily accommodates changing attitudes of the female torso, while yet maintaining proper figure controlling pressures, particularly with respect to the aforesaid waist and derriere, while, at the same time, precluding the introduction of binding and other uncomfortable pressures, merely because the attitude of the torso changes.

There is presently available a relative plethora of foundation garments, such as girdles, panty girdles, and the like. In providing such a garment a basic concern is to present the proper figure controlling pressures, while, at

the same time, maintaining as much comfort as is possible.

A unique problem occurs when the attitude of the torso changes, as well as when it returns to its original position. For example, it has been found that when the attitude changes from a standing to a bending position, heretofore suggested garments move with respect to those portions of the torso they are particularly adapted to overlie. However, when the torso is returned to its original attitude, it has been found that these garments do not move with respect thereto in the same amount, or to the same degree, as they did when the position of the torso first changed from its original attitude. Accordingly, presently available garments have been found to bunch up, particularly with respect to those portions of the torso known as the waist, hips, thighs and derriere, and especially with respect to the waist and posterior. As a result, binding pressures act against the aforesaid portions of the torso, with attending extreme discomfort, and even pain.

Accordingly, having in mind each and every one of the aforesaid disadvantages, and others that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a foundation garment, such as a girdle, panty girdle, and the like, comprising a plurality of panels that are so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to be positioned in a substantially stationary overlying relationship with respect to certain portions of the female torso, such as the waist, hips, thighs and derriere, in which relationship said panels are particularly adapted to develop figure controlling pressures, particularly with respect to the waist and posterior,

irrespective of the position of the torso, and even during and subsequent to changing of its attitude, as when a sitting or a bending position is assumed, enabling the presentation of a foundation garment of the aforesaid type 3,270,748 Patented Sept. 6, 1966 ice provide a foundation garment, such as a girdle, panty girdle, and the like, comprising a plurality of panels, each of which is distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions, said panels being so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to be relatively movable with re 'spect to one another when the garment is disposed in overlying relationship with respect to those portions of the female torso known as the waist, hips, thighs and derriere, and particularly when said panels are disposed in that relationship with respect to the waist and posterior, in which relationship the aforesaid panels are particularly adapted to remain substantially stationary particularly with respect to said waist and derriere, enabling said garment to develop figure controlling pressures, particularly with respect thereto, irrespective of the position of the torso, and

even during and subsequent to a changing of its attitude, as when a sitting or a bending position is assumed, and enabling the presentation of a foundation garment of the aforesaid type that readily accommodates changing attitudes of the female torso, while yet maintaining proper figure controlling pressures, particularly with respect to those of said portions known as the waist and derriere, in the manner aforesaid, while, at the same time, precluding the introduction of binding and other uncomfortable pressures, merely because the attitude of the torso changes.

Yet another primary object of this invention is to provide a foundation garment, such as a girdle, panty girdle, and the like, comprising a plurality of panels that are distensible in at :least one of a plurality of directions, and .are so constructed, contoured and arranged as to be disposed in an overlapping relatively movable relationship 'with respect to one another when the garment encompasses the female torso, and particularly those portions thereof known as the waist, hips, thighs and derriere, in which relationship said panels are particularly adapted to develop figure controlling pressures, particularly with respect to those of the aforesaid portions, 'known as the Waist (and posterior, irrespective of the position of the torso, and even during and subsequent to changing of its attitude, as when a sitting or a bending position is assumed, enabling the presentation of a foundation garment of the aforesaid type that readily accommodates changing attitudes of the female torso, while yet maintaining proper [figure controlling pressures, particularly with respect to the waist and derriere, in the manner aforesaid, while, at-the same time precluding the introduction of binding and other uncomfortable pressures, merely because the attitude of the torso changes.

Furthermore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a foundation garment, such as a girdle, panty girdle, and the like, particularly adapted to encompass those portions of the female torso known as the waist, hips, thighs and derriere, said garment comprising a plurality of distensible panels disposed in overlapping relatively movable relationship with respect to one another, each of said panels being disposed in at least partially overlapping relationship with respect to one or more of the aforesaid portions, and support assemblies structurally operatively associated with one of said panels and-disposedgenerally interiorly of another of said panels for supporting such articles of wearing (apparel as hosiery with respect to said torso, said supmanner, as by means of stitching (not shown).

about those portions of the torso they encompass.

port assemblies transmitting tensile forces to said one panel developed as the attitude of the torso changes, and precluding forces of a similar nature from being transmitted to said other panels, enabling said panels to remain substantially stationary with respect to the afore said portions of the torso, and particularly with respect to said waist and derriere, further enabling the presentation of a foundation garment of the aforesaid type capable of developing [figure controlling pressures, while yet readily accommodating changing attitudes of the torso, as when a sitting or bending position is assumed, in such a manner as to enable unimpeded walking or striding without riding vertically relative to said torso, without wrinkling across that portion thereof known as the waist, and, particularly at the rear thereof, or

binding across the girth of the thighs, especially at and adjacent that portion of the torso known as the derriere.

Other objects and important features of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the specification following, taken with the drawings which together show, illustrate, describe and disclose a preferred embodiment or modification of the invention and what is now considered to be the best mode of practicing the principles thereof. Other embodiments or modifications may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the subjoined claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a foundation ,garment constructed in accordance with the principles 44 of FIG. 3.

With reference now to the drawings, a foundation garment, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and generally designated by the reference character 10, is illustrated therein. It will be understood at the outset that, while the garment illustrated in the drawing takes the form of a panty girdle, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to all other foundation garments of a similar type, such as girdles, long-line brassieres, and the like.

The garment 10 comprises a plurality of body or torsoencircling panels 12 and 14, each of which is so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to substantially completely encompass those portions of the female torso known as the waist, hips, thighs and derriere. To this end, the panels may be fabricated by any suitable material, and preferably of one that is distensible in each of a plurality of directions, as indicated by the arrows in the drawing. The panels 12 and 14 are operatively associated with a waist-encircling band 16, of substantial transverse dimensional extent or width, along an edge of irregular configuration in any suitable The body panels extend generally vertically downwardly from the waist band 16, which may be fabricated of any suitable material, such as a material that is distensible prefer-ably longitudinally thereof, to a corresponding one of a plurality of leg-encircling bands 20. The leg bands 20, similarly with respect to the waist band 16, may be fabricated of any suitable material, and preferably of a material that is distensible at least generally longitudinally thereof, that is, along the band in direction Accordingly, it will be understood that more than adequate figure controlling pressures for those portions of the torso will be developed. If desired, a soft covering 22,

I such as a felt, may be disposed generally interiorly of the waist band 16 and the leg bands 20 to insure comfort.

The body panels 12 and 14 are particularly adapted to be operatively associated with or connected to one another, generally frontally of the garment 10 in any suitable manner. To this end, the panels each comprise a front edge 24 of angular configuration. A panel 26 comprising a plurality of inserts 27 is particularly adapted to be disposed generally frontally and centrally of the garment :10 and operatively associated with or connected to the panels 12 and 14, along the edges 24 in any suitable manner, as by means of suitable stitching (not shown). This panel may be of any suitable configuration or contour and, as shown, is of generally diamondshape. In addition, the inserts 27 comprising this panel may be fabricated of any suitable material, and, preferably are fabricated of a non-distensible fabric. For example, the inserts 27 of the panel 26 may be fabricated, at least in part, of lace so that when considered in conjunction with its contour or configuration, it enables the garment 10 to present a very aesthetic appearance. The trend to provide such an appearance is carried through by providing the panel 26 with an upper edge 28 of irregular configuration corresponding generally with the configuration of the edge 18 of the panels 12 and 14. It will now be understood that the panels 12, 14 and 26 at least partially overlap the waist band 16, completely transversely of the garment 10, generally frontally thereof, in any suitable manner as through the medium of the aforesaid stitching (not shown).

The inserts 27 and the panels 12 and 14 are operatively associated with or connected to one another along a seam 30, by means of suitable stitching 31 at a location frontally of the garment 10 from the waist band 16 to a crotch or crotch portion 32 thereof. The body panels 12 and 14 are of greater longitudinal dimensional extent or height than the same dimension of the garment to the crotch 32, since, as hereinbefore pointed out, the garment is illustrated in the exemplary form of a panty-girdle type foundation garment. The waist band 16 as is now considered readily apparent, is made continuous through the medium of the seam 30.

It will now be understood that the panel 26, comprising the inserts 27, define a control assembly for that portion of the female torso known as the abdomen. In order to insure that the panel performs its intended function, it is preferably provided with a plurality of reinforcing strips 34 and 36, disposed interiorly thereof. A generally vertically extending reinforcing strip 38 extends completely of the height of the seam 30 at least to a location adjacent to the crotch 32. It is at this location that the waist band 16 is operatively associated. with or connected to one another, when the waist band 16 is so constructed. If desired, a stiffening member (not shown) may be permanently disposed between the waist band and the strip 38, completely of the width thereof. It is now considered readily apparent that the control assembly for that portion of the female torso known as the abdomen is provided comprising the panel 26 and the reinforcing strips 34, 36 and 38, which control assembly will more than adequately provide the proper figure controlling pressures for that portion of the torso, enabling it to present ideal geometries, while yet further enabling the garment 10 to present a very aesthetic appearance, at least generally frontally thereof. The reinforcing strips 36, in addition to functioning as a component part of this control assembly, are particularly adapted to perform yet another function. More particularly, the foundation garment is particularly adapted to removably support a plurality of articles such as a pair of hose. To this end, a plurality of suspending strips 40 are operatively associated with or connected to a corresponding one of the strips 36 at a location along the edge 24 of a corresponding one of the panels 12 and 14, at which location the strips 36 terminate. The suspending strips 40, at an opposite end thereof, are particularly adapted to have connected thereto, in any suitable manner, fastener structure or garters 42, which may be of any suitable construction. It will now be understood that when each one of a pair of hose is operatively associated with or suspended from the garment 10, the downward pull thereof will be directly transmitted through the suspending strips 40 the reinforcing strips 36, and thence to the vertically extending reinforcing strip 38 (the reinforcing strips 34 and 36 are disposed in an acute angular relationship with respect to the reinforcing strip 38 when there is drawn the shortest arc therebetween), thus dissipating the forces developed by the downward pull of the hose, and the upward pull of the garment. The panels 12 and 14 will not, therefore be subjected to the forces introduced by a pair of hose, thus enabling these panels to perform their intended function without being detracted therefrom by the necessity to perform some additional function. This is particularly true since the panel 26 is fabricated of a non-distensible material, such as lace, as are the reinforcing strips 34, 36 and 38 (these elements preferably being fabricated of such a material as nylon).

With particular reference now to FIG. 2, each of the panels 12 and 14 are so contoured as to define a curvilinear edge 44 that is particularly adapted to be disposed generally rearwardly of the garment. More particularly, the contour of the edge is chosen so as to correspond generally with the peripheral contour of that portion of the female torso known as the derriere or posterior, at

a location substantially adjacent to the portion known as the thighs. The curvilinear edges 44, extend from an upper edge 46 of a regular configuration extending along the waist band 16, and operatively associated therewith or connected thereto in any suitable manner, as by means of stitching (not shown), to the seam 36, which is extended along the crotch 32 of the garment to a location generally rearwardly thereof. As hereinbefore pointed out, the longitudinal dimensional extent or height of the garment to the crotch 32 is less than the same dimension of the panels 12 and 14, enabling the latter to define portions particularly adapted to encompass not only those portions of the torso known as the waist and hips, but those portions thereof known as the thighs as well in the exemplary form illustrated.

The garment comprises further a plurality of support panels 48 .and 50, which panels may be fabricated of any suitable material, such as one that preferably is a distensible in each of a plurality of directions, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2. These supporting panels are particularly adapted to be disposed in a substantially complete overlapping relationship with respect to that portion of the torso known as the derriere or posterior. Accordingly, the panels 48 and 50 are operatively associated with or connected to one another by stitching 52 that extends substantially vertically of the garment generally rearwardly thereof, from a location at or adjacent the end of the stitching or seam 30, that is, where the ends of the curvilinear edges 44 meet, to a location in the area of the waistband 16.

Since the panels 48 and 50 are particularly adapted to be disposed in the aforesaid relationship with respect to the derriere or posterior, the longitudinal dimensional extent or height of each of them is chosen so as to enable the panels to extend vertically downwardly from a location in the area of the Waist band 16, to a location at which they will be disposed in underlying relationship with respect to those portions of the panels 12 and 14, particularly adapted to encompass the thighs. At the location,

each of the panels 48 and 50 is so contoured and configured as to define an apex 54, the purpose of which will be described more fully hereinafter.

More particularly, each of the panels 48 and 50 is defined by a first curvilinear edge 56, of substantially concave contour. The edges 56 each extend from one apex 54 to the other, over the crotch portion 32 of the garment. It will now be understood that the degree of curvature of the edges 56 depends upon whether or not the garment 10 is a panty-type foundation garment, or a slip-on type that does not present portions for encompassing the thighs. In this latter instance, the aforesaid degree of curvature can be less than that illustrated, but is still to be chosen so that the apices 54 are presented. In addition, each panel is defined by another or second curvilinear edge 58, extending from a corresponding one of the apices 54, about the sides of the garment, and to the waist band 16. The contour of this edge is chosen so that at least a portion 60 thereof extends to, and is disposed generally frontally of the garment. Finally, these panels are defined by an edge 62 extending along a portion of the waist band 16, coincidentally with the edge 46 of a corresponding one of the panels 12 and 14, which edge is of corresponding configuration with respect thereto.

It will now be understood that the panels 48 and are disposed generally interiorly of the panels 12 and 14, respectively, at least with respect to that portion of each of the latter comprising that portion of the garment 10 that encompasses the thighs. To the extent that the panels 12, 14, 48 and 50 are disposed in this relationship, it will now be understood that they are relatively movable with respect to one another, at least in a generally vertically extending direction. The panels 12 and 48, and the panels 14 and 51), are operatively associated with or connected to one another along that portion of the edges 58 disposed generally frontally of the garment, namely, along the portions 60. In addition, the panels 12 and 48, and the panels 14 and 50, are particularly adapted to be operatively associated with or connected to one another along a portion 64 of the edges 44. Since the edges 44 are disposed completely generally rearwardly of the garment, the portion 64 thereof will be similarly disposed. Accordingly, there is defined a plurality of figure controlling assemblies 66, comprising that portion of each of the panels 12 and 48, and 14 and 58, disposed or extending between the portions and 64 of each of the edges 58 and 44, respectively. The assemblies 66, in turn, comprise a plurality of layers or plies of distensible material, enabling them to more than adequately perform the function of developing figure controlling pressures at the hips.

As hereinbefore pointed out, each of the panels 48 and 50 are particularly adapted to be disposed in overlapping relationship with respect to that portion of the female torso known as the derriere or posterior. The same is at least partially true with respect to those portions of the panels 12 and 14 disposed generally rearwardly of the garment. In addition, the panels 48 and 50 are particularly adapted to enable the garment 10, as hereinbefore pointed out, to support such articles of wearing apparel as hosiery upon and with respect to the legs of the torso. To this end, fastener structure 68, which may comprise a garter similar to the garters 42, is operatively associated with each of the panels 48 and 50, particularly at the apices 54- thereof. The fastener structures 42 and 68 may also be denoted as support assemblies.

The particular location of the garters or fastener structure 68, located or disposed at the rear of the garment, is a salient feature of the present invention. Firstly, since the panels 48 and 50 are of such longitudinal dimensional extent or length as to overlie substantially all of the posterior, the fastener structure will be disposed or located generally at the thighs. Additionally, the particular contour of the panels 48 and 50 is such as to present the apices or locations 54. Accordingly, any hosiery will transmit tensile forces to the fastener structure 68 as the attitude of the torso changes. Since the assemblies are positioned at an apex, the forces transmitted thereto will tend to dissipate as they extend upwardly towards the body or main portion of the panels. This is particularly true, since these panels are distensible in each of plurality of directions, and will distend in response to such forces as transmitted thereto. Any wrinkling of the panels 48 and 50 at the body or main portion thereof, will therefore be precluded, eliminating the application of binding forces to the torso.

Furthermore, it will be understood that the transmitting of tensile forces to the panels 4 and 50 at the apices 54 thereof, will tend to maintain these panels relatively stationary with respect to the torso, and particularly the posterior when its attitude changes. For example, when the torso assumes a bending position, the panels will distend due to the tensile forces applied to the apices 54 by means of the fastener structure 68. The amount that the panels distend will be proportionate to the increased dimension of the torso at the rear thereof, so that, in effect, the panels will remain in an overlying relationship with respect to substantially the same area. When the torso returns to its original position, so, too, will the panels 48 and 50, especially in view of the distensibility thereof, and the decreased tensile forces transmitted thereto.

It will now be understood that, since the fastener structure or garters 68 at the rear of the garment are located at apices, as opposed to being positioned along a linear edge, there will be no bunching or curling of the garment when the torso assumes its original position, and, therefore, there will be no binding of the torso, particularly at the rear thereof, just below the posterior. Moreover, since these panels remain relatively stationary, with respect to the torso, the proper figure controlling pressures will be developed regardless of the attitude thereof, so that substantially ideal geometries will be presented at all times.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the panels 48 and 50 each comprise an edge 62 of a regular configuration extending along the waist band 16 from a location substantially at one side of the garment to the other side thereof. This edge comprises a plurality of portions, one portion 70 being disposed coincidentally with respect to the edge 46 of a corresponding one of the panels 12 and 14, and being of substantially the same longitudinal dimensional eX- tent or length thereof. Another portion 72 of the edges 62 is disposed in separable relationship with respect to the waist band 16, each portion 72 extending from the portion 70 to the seam 52 disposed generally rearwardly of the garment. Stated in other words, the portions 72 of the edges 70 are not operatively associated with or connected to the waist band 16, enabling the waistband and the panels 48 and 50 to be disposed in a telescoping relationship with respect to one another, further enabling the latter to move relative to the former. It will now be understood that the Waist band will remain in a predetermined position with respect to the female torso, particularly at and about the waist thereof, even as the torso changes its attitude. In accordance with this construc tion, the waist band 16 of a garment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is particularly adapted to provide a control assembly for that portion of the torso known as the waist, enabling the presentation of more than adequate figure controlling pressures at that location, which pressures will remain substantially undisturbed even though the attitude or position of the torso changes. In addition to the foregoing, it is preferred that the waist band be of substantial transverse dimensional extent or width, and, as hereinbefore pointed out, be fabricated of a material that is distensible in at least a direction extending generally longitudinallly thereof. Since the panels 48 and 50 are disposed in a telescoping relationship with respect to the waist band, then, as the attitude of the torso changes, these panels can move to accommodate such change, particularly under the influence of any force applied to the apices 54. Nevertheless, when the torso returns to its original position, all of the panels of the garment will return to a corresponding position without bunching, curling, and the like. More particularly, notwithstanding any position of the torso, more than sufficient figure controlling pressures will be developed, so that, in any position of the torso, ideal geometries thereof will be presented.

It will further be understood that the panels 12 and 14 are particularly adapted to perform this same function of developing proper figure controlling pressures, particularly with respect to those portions of the torso encompassed thereby. This is particularly true with respect to the hips, thighs and the peripherial portion of the derriere. And, with respect to the latter portion of the torso, this function will more than adequately be performed, since the contour of the panels 12 and 14 rearwardly thereof, corresponds generally with respect thereto. Additionally, because the panels 12 and 14, which are also distensible in each of a plurality of directions, are disposed in overlapping relationship with respect to the panels 48 and 50, they, too, tend to remain relatively stationary with respect to those portions of the torso they encompass, especially since tensile forces transmitted to the garters 68 are, in turn, transmitted generally only to the panels 48 and 50. Thus, if a bending attitude of the torso is assumed, it will be realized that the dimension thereof from the waist to the periphery of the posterior will increase to a greater extent than from the aforesaid periphery to a location along the thighs at the bands 20. The panels 48 and 50 will readily accommodate the former increased dimension, while the panels 12 and 14 will readily and independently accommodate the latter such dimension. This is especially true because the panels are relatively movable with respect to one another. The important concept, therefore, is the provision of relatively movable panels for accommodating different variations in the dimension of the torso, as the attitude thereof changes, rather than a single panel for performing the same function. Accordingly, it will be understood that any tendency on the part of one portion of the garment 10 to bunch up with respect to other portions of the garment has been eliminated, as has resulting binding and other uncomfortable forces and pressures. Additionally, it should be noted that the garters 42 and 68 are positioned interiorly of the garment, both forwardly and rearwardly thereof. In the latter position, it is further noted that the garters are disposed in underlying relationship with respect to the panels 12 and 14. Thus, an effect of any unsightly bulge is substantially mitigated.

While certain relative terminology such as vertical, downwardly, and the like, has been used in the foregoing description, it is to be understood that use is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, the use of such terminology in the ensuing claims is to be construed in its normal and accepted sense, and is not in any way to be considered limiting.

While the invention has been shown, illustrated, described and disclosed in terms of an embodiment or modification which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein shown, illustrated, described or disclosed, such other embodiments or modifications intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope of the claims here appended.

What is claimed is:

1. A foundation garment, such as a girdle, panty-girdle, and the like, comprising in combination a torso-encircling panel for encompassing those portions of the female torso known as the waist, hips and at least a portion of the thighs; the dimensions of said torso-encircling panel at the rear of the garment being chosen to enable said panel to encompass at least a portion of that part of the torso known as the derriere; the dimensions of said torsoencircling panel being defined by an edge disposed at the rear of the garment;

a supporting panel disposed rearwardly of the garment to encompass a substantial portion of said derriere; said torso-encircling panel and said supporting panel being positioned in overlapping relationship with respect to one another, and said supporting panelbeing connected to said torso-encircling panel at least along only a portion of said edge, enabling said panels to be relatively movable with respect to one another; at waist portion control assembly; said supporting panel being connected to said waist portion control assembly only along a portion thereof, enabling said supporting panel and said waist portion control assembly to be disposed in overlapping relatively movable relationship with respect to one another along another portion of said panel; and support assern blies connected to said supporting panel for transmitting tensile forces substantially only thereto.

2. A foundation garment as defined in claim 1, wherein the edge of said torso-encircling panel disposed at the rear of the garment is of curvilinear configuration, and corresponds generally with the peripheral contour of the derriere.

3. A foundation garment as defined in claim 2, wherein said torso-encircling panel comprises a crotch portion disposed generally frontally of said garment; and wherein there is provided a plurality of supporting panels each comprising a first curvilinear edge extending to said crotch portion; and a second curvilinear edge extending about the sides of said torso-encircling panel and generally frontally thereof; the contour of each of said first and second curvilinear edges being such as to define apices disposed generally rearwardly of said torso-encircling panel and generally interiorally thereof; said supporting assemblies being connected to said supporting panels and said apices.

4. A foundation garment as defined in claim 3, wherein said supporting panels, in addition to being connected to said torso-encircling panel substantially only along a portion of the curvilinear edge thereof, being connected to said torso-encircling panel along at least a portion of said second curvilinear edge; that portion of each supporting panel and said torso-encircling panel disposed between the aforesaid portions of said curvilinear edges along which they are connected to one another defining control assemblies for encompassing that portion of the female torso known as the hips, and at least a portion thereof known as the waist, enabling said control assemblies to develop the proper figure controlling pressures with respect thereto.

5. A foundation garment as defined in claim 4, wherein: said control assemblies each comprise;

a portion of each of said supporting panels and said torso-encircling panel.

6. A foundation garment as defined in claim 5, whereeach of said support panels and said torso-encircling panel are fabricated of a material that is distensible in each of a plurality of directions.

7. A foundation garment as defined in claim 6, wherea panel fabricated of non-distensible material is connected to said torso-encircling panel generally frontally thereof;

said non-distensible panel and that portion of said torso-encircling panel connected thereto defining a control assembly adapted to encompass that portion of the female torso known as the abdomen.

8. A foundation garment as defined in claim 7, wherein said panel comprises:

a plurality of inserts; and wherein:

a plurality of reinforcing strips is disposed in underlying relationship with respect to each of said inserts, and extending to a location adjacent said torsoencircling panel; and wherein:

fastener structure is connected to at least one of said reinforcing strips at said location;

enabling forces transmitted thereto to be translated along and dissipated by said reinforcing strips and said inserts.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,879,771 3/1959 Bell 128-546 2,973,765 3/1961 Diebold 128--541 2,980,114 4/1961 Montoya 1Z8523 3,011,496 12/1961 Cousins 128544 3,095,881 7/1963 Marion 129-552 3,131,698 5/1964 Morano 128523 ADELE M. EAGER, Primary Examiner. 

1. A FOUNDATION GARMENT, SUCH AS A GIRDLE, PANTY-GIRDLE, AND THE LIKE, COMPRISING IN COMBINATION A TORSO-ENCIRCLING PANEL FOR ENCOMPASSING THOSE PORTIONS OF THE FEMALE TORSO KNOWN AS THE WAIST, HIPS AND AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE THIGHS; THE DIMENSIONS OF SAID TORSO-ENCIRCLING PANEL AT THE REAR OF THE GARMENT BEING CHOSEN TO ENABLE SAID PANEL TO ENCOMPASS AT LEAST A PORTION OF THAT PART OF THE TORSO KNOWN AS THE DERRIERE; THE DIMENSIONS OF SAID TORSOENCIRCLING PANEL BEING DEFINED BY AN EDGE DISPOSED AT THE REAR OF THE GARMENT; A SUPPORTING PANEL DISPOSED REARWARDLY OF THE GARMENT TO ENCOMPASS A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF SAID DERRIERE; SAID TORSO-ENCIRCLING PANEL AND SAID SUPPORTING PANEL BEING POSITIONED IN OVERLAPPING RELATIONSHIP WITH RESPECT TO ONE ANOTHER, AND SAID SUPPORTING PANEL BEING CONNECTED TO SAID TORSO-ENCIRCLING PANEL AT LEAST ALONG ONLY A PORTION OF SAID EDGE, ENABLING SAID PANELS TO BE RELATIVELY MOVABLE WITH RESPECT TO ONE ANOTHER; A WAIST PORTION CONTROL ASSEMBLY; SAID SUPPORTING PANEL BEING CONNECTED TO SAID WAIST PORTION CONTROL ASSEMBLY ONLY ALONG A PORTION THEREOF, ENABLING SAID SUPPORTING PANEL AND SAID WAIST PORTION CONTROL ASSEMBLY TO BE DISPOSED IN OVERLAPPING RELATIVELY MOVABLE RELATIONSHIP WITH RESPECT TO ONE ANOTHER ALONG ANOTHER PORTION OF SAID PANEL; AND SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES CONNECTED TO SAID SUPPORTING PANEL FOR TRANSMITTING TENSILE FORCES SUBSTANTIALLY ONLY THERETO. 